Who is best to restore the woodgrain on '69 Charger dash pieces

[A34]

Hey Guys,

Where is the best place to get the woodgrain dash pieces restored for a 69 Charger?

I've seen the reproduction ones and they aren't right. I've heard the ones with decals don't look right either, and the decal shrinks.

Any source other than NOS out there?

Thanks !

[Dino]

I don't know who restores them but weren't the originals just vinyl decals as well?  It does shrink when new but once it's glued down and trimmed it should no longer shrink. 

The problem is getting the lettering right.  Are you looking for stock?  If not, I suggest using actual wood veneer and making the lettering with a small router which you then can fill with paint or inlays even.

I thought about getting an SE dash but the fake wood is just not working for me, I'm removing it from my console as well.

[Ghoste]

I'm pretty sure the originals were just that Dino.  Could be wrong though.

[Dino]

I'm pretty sure the originals were just that Dino.  Could be wrong though.

I haen't sen any up close but as I recall they are vinyl decals on aluminum backing plates which screw into the plastic bezels.  If one would have the means to stamp the letters on, you could make some kickass custom dash panels.  I'm sticking to my stock bezels though, very happy with them since I've redone them but the console will get a nice piece of veneer.  I have some nice maple and mahogany left overs I may use.  Flamed maple in a dark honey finish may be nice.  Dark walnut on the other hand would make it a bit more classy in there.   

[tan top]

no decal on the originals  , the wood grain is printed on 

[Dino]

no decal on the originals  , the wood grain is printed on 

No kidding!  So the woodgrain is printed directly onto the plate that screws to the bezels?  Good to know!

[tan top]

 

no decal on the originals  , the wood grain is printed on 

No kidding!  So the woodgrain is printed directly onto the plate that screws to the bezels?  Good to know!

on an SE the  black pebble grain  dash bezels have slots cut in them at various points  , & the woodgrain plates have bendable metal tabs on the back ,  that go through these slots & are bent back ,

[Brock Lee]

The woodgrain is indeed printed on in some way. It appears to be silkscreened or offset printed and while the background paint colors vary, the wood pattern is always the same and is comprised of tiny dots, almost like old newspapers.

[bill440rt]

Right. No decals.
The woodgrain was either silk screened or printed directly on the aluminum.
Check thru Hemmings or perhaps an online search. There are companies out there that specialize in woodgrain restoration & silk screening for dashes in antique cars. I remember seeing a vendor at Hershey displaying his work. Very nice.
Might be a viable option.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

IIRC Dave Patik of www.performancecargraphics.com does them

[Ghoste]

Really?  I had always thought the woodgrain was a decal on the little plates.  What about the console woodgrain, that stuff was a decal wasn't it?

[Brock Lee]

The console woodgrain is made completely different for the most part. Some of those really light colored 1970 model year wood grain console inserts look like they may be done similar, but can't be sure. The woodgrain is shinier on them and actually will wear away.

[A34]

Well, I guess this is a bad sign. 

[bull]

IIRC Dave Patik of www.performancecargraphics.com does them

And if you need a wheel you do like Chris did and locate some old driving simulators to steal one off of.

[Mopar1979]

Try www.instrument-specialties.com they specialize in complete dash restorations and wood grain restoration.

[Ghoste]

Are there any of those driving simulators left.    I think once the word got out all of the NOS parts vendors scooped them up.